Description:Trader Sam's is a modern-day institution mixing a 1960's drink menu with a modern (sometimes too modern) crowd. Actually, Trader Sam's has quite a few surprises that make it quite interesting for both the classic connoisseur and the new Tiki Traditionalist.

On 2004-02-25 11:58, thejab wrote:martiki paid you to post that review, right Hanford?

Hey!

I like my drink in a salad bowl, dammit. I've said it before and I'll say it again: go early the avoid the the frat slobs. Find a corner and settle in. DON'T look too closely at what you're sitting on. I mean, it wouldn't be a dive bar if it was nice, right?

If you don't know what to get, try the Sabotage. It's not as sweet as some of the others. Also the Scorpion Bowl is good- made with the finest screw top mini champagne you can buy.

And who knows...if the stories are true, Trader Vic may have stolen the name from Sam!

Here's a 1949 photo and some info on Trad'r Sam, from outsidelands.org:

San Francisco's first television station was KPIX which went on the air in December 1948, followed by KRON & KGO in July 1949. The novelty of television was a big draw for bar customers, who could relax and enjoy the new technological miracle while sipping a relaxing beverage amidst the congeniality of old friends (it says here). Trad'r Sam's at 26th Avenue and Geary Blvd. made sure people knew they were wired in this 1949 photo.

Just popped in for a quick one the other night and was very pleasantly surprised to discover that they have reupholstered the whole place! All the great rattan booths look good as new, and the whole place seemed like it had had a massive spring cleaning. You can really see all the great detail again, including the famous booths and the most incredible curved 1930s bar in town. Go see an old friend again- you'll be glad you did.

On 2006-03-29 02:59, TraderJonah wrote:How are the drink prices on Scorpion Bowls? How many people will they serve?

Thanks

I don't remember the price, but their bowls serve one "MIG"!
(TC member who always orders a bowl-type drink for himself during the crawl and holds it like it is his golden chalice!)
_________________I'm the most thirstiesterest of all!
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On 2006-02-03 08:01, martiki wrote:You know, in my continuing quest to see that Trad'r Sam's gets some respect...

Has anyone ever noticed that...

Trad'r Sam's is the OLDEST TIKI BAR ON PLANET EARTH

One location, in continuous operation since the 1930s.

Thank you!!!!! So true!!! I love Sam's. Unfortunately my Geary area friends have all moved away recently so I don't get over there much--the now-in-Portland pal particularly is longing for Sam's, the Geary Irish pubs, and the Valano in Vallejo. I keep pointing out that Portland has divine dive bars, but if it weren't for the Alibi he'd probably have opened a vein by now.